Hopes to find refuge in the US to avoid Belize murder inquiry.

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A judge in Guatemala has ordered the release of John McAfee, who will seek refuge in the US to avoid a murder inquiry in Belize, according to his lawyer.

The Associated Press reported the comments of McAfee lawyer Telesforo Guerra, who "said the judge notified him verbally of the ruling, but added that it might take a day for formal written notification to win McAfee's release, possibly as soon as Wednesday... Guerra said Secaida ruled that McAfee's detention was illegal, ordered him released, and gave him 10 days to put his immigration situation in order."

Guerra said McAfee will try to return to the US, saying, "that's definitely the country where he will be safest." McAfee's blog said, "John will be released from detention at 9:00am, Guatemala Time [10:00am ET], from the Immigration detention center in Guatemals City. He has not divulged his plans."

McAfee, who founded the McAfee security company but is no longer associated with the firm, was named a person of interest in relation to a murder in Belize last month. McAfee is not considered a prime suspect in the case, but he has said he fears for his safety should he end up being detained in Belize. He fled the country, but was arrested in Guatemala last week for entering the country illegally. Guatemalan authorities initially said they would deport McAfee to Belize.